Rosanne Bunduka of Zion Hill, a call center operator who alerts doctors and nurses when a critically injured patient arrives, dreamed of being on the front lines as an emergency medical technician.

Her mentor, trauma surgeon Michael Pasquale, encouraged her. Bunduka began training with the trauma team, but her reoccurring health problems held her back. She decided to have surgery to cure her pancreatic dysfunction -- and lost 140 pounds.

This year, on her 35th birthday, she flew with the University MedEvac team for the first time.

Bunduka says: "A disability is not a stop sign, it's only a detour."

Nika Belcastro

Nika Belcastro of Allentown began storytelling with her mother at a young age. She was Twig, her mother was Mrs. Terra Cotta. They entertained others and gave the children a "dream pot and seeds to plant their dreams and watch them grow."

As an adult, Belcastro continues to work with children through the Patching Hearts program.

Despite a hearing disability, Belcastro plays the saxophone, clarinet, flute, piano and guitar. She is a music therapy student a Kutztown University.

Belcastro says: "Live in the present, learn from your past and plant dreams for your future. Don't just look at life -- look into life."

Susan Roberts Bolash

Susan Roberts Bolash of Bethlehem works as director of special education for the Easton Area School District.

She faced her first challenge in college, teaching an autistic child. "She said five words the whole year, but that was such an accomplishment," Bolash said. "I knew this would be my life's work."

Bolash advises: "Surround yourself with friends and colleagues who help you follow your dreams. Be a lifelong learner, too -- nobody can take knowledge away from you."

Jennie Gilrain

Jennie Gilrain of Bethlehem started her career as an occupational therapist. She gave up the career and dedicated herself to a homeless shelter for women. "I cooked meals, cleaned toilets and distributed clothing," she said. "I didn't get paid. I lived in poverty to be equal with people I was serving."

At South Bethlehem's Touchstone Theater, Gilrain began a second career. She rehearsed in the founder's garage, lived in the attic and helped establish the theater. Since 1984, she has directed, performed in and helped write more than 40 plays.

She is working on a third career, studying at Lehigh University to become a teacher.

Gilrain says: "Dare to fail in order to discover something unexpected. If you fall on your face, it's OK. You can always get back up."